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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 4 findings
F1
Page 51
To improve the quality of laboratory services provided to the criminal justice system
F2
Page 51
To offer the general public and users of laboratory services a national standard and means of identifying laboratory facilities that satisfy accreditation criteria
F3
Page 51
To develop and maintain criteria which can be used by a laboratory to assess its level of performance and strengthen the operation 38 2009-2010 LOS ANGELES COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY FINAL REPORT
F4
Page 52
To provide an independent, impartial, and objective system by which laboratory facilities can benefit from a total organization review In 2005, examiners assigned to the Manual Comparison Detail were involved in erroneous identification of evidence in two separate cases. This error resulted in false arrest in each case. The incidents were investigated and revealed a lack of supervisory oversight which may have contributed to the errors. The current ratio of supervisor to employees is 1:14. The industry standards show that an efficient supervisor to employee ratio is 1:8.
Recommendations 3
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R1Page 49Ensure the building plans for the new facility include the essential space ac- commodations for the staff, space for files, work areas conducive to a lab en- vironment and room for growth.
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R2Page 50Upon relocation and consolidation of the Tech Lab, the Latent Print Unit should begin to conform to the American Society of Crime Lab Directors requirements for accreditation. This process requires and includes the following: • Complete Manuals and Standard of Operations • Administrative review of all casework and reports • Technical review of a minimum of 10% of the Analytical Detail assignments • Ensure each subordinate is accountable to only one supervisor per function • Monitor laboratory during vacant hours by an intrusion alarm or by security personnel • Secure storage areas to prevent theft or interference and ensure limited controlled access. The storage conditions shall prevent loss, deterioration, contamination and maintain integrity and identity of the evidence • Ensure staff vacancies are filled and decrease the current ratio of supervisor to employee to 1:8
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R3Page 50All staff should be fully trained and all manuals should be updated and/or com- pleted. Until the accreditation process has been completed utilize Lead Tech- cians in a supervisory capacity to ensure better quality control LOS ANGELES SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT–SECTION II